**Norway’s Future Frigate Program**
Norway has narrowed its options for potential partner countries in its future frigate program to four nations: France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The Norwegian government intends to initiate discussions with these countries to establish a strategic partnership.
**Defense Investment Plans**
The program aims to acquire at least five to six frigates, marking Norway’s largest defense investment to date, surpassing its prior commitment to the F-35 fighter jet program. This was announced by Defence Minister Bjørn Arild Gram during a briefing on Tuesday. A final decision regarding the strategic partner is expected by 2025.
**Strategic Objectives**
Norway’s objective is to join an existing frigate program to expedite the deployment process and avoid further investments in upgrading its current Fridtjof Nansen-class frigates. Major NATO naval forces are currently enhancing their frigate fleets, and Norway seeks a partnership with a close ally rather than merely purchasing a standalone vessel type.
**Financial Commitment**
The Norwegian government plans to invest several hundred billion Norwegian kroner in its naval forces, with an increase in operating budgets and personnel. A rough estimate indicates that 100 billion kronor equates to approximately USD 9.1 billion.
**Operational Goals**
Norway’s location in the High North is deemed strategically significant for both the country and NATO. The ambition is for the Royal Norwegian Navy to maintain continuous operations in the surrounding ocean areas. Minister Gram emphasized that the new frigates will support this operational goal.
**Partnership Scope**
The envisioned strategic partnership will encompass joint acquisition, operation, maintenance, and ongoing development and upgrades of the frigates throughout their service life. The minister noted the significance of selecting a partner committed to the entire lifespan of the future vessels.
**Considerations for Choice**
Norway is evaluating each nation’s capabilities alongside aligned strategic interests, particularly in the High North. The capabilities of the four competing nations vary: France’s new FDI frigate (4,500 metric tons), Germany’s F126 frigate (approximately 10,000 tons), and the U.K.’s Type 26 and Type 31 frigates.
**Existing Collaborations**
Norway has a strong maritime relationship with France, driven by mutual interests in the High North. The U.K. has historically been a major security partner for Norway. Additionally, Norway has deepened defense collaboration with Germany in areas like submarines and anti-ship missiles, while the U.S. remains Norway’s key ally across various domains.
**Industrial Contribution**
A crucial aspect of the final decision will be Norway’s ability to have its technology and industry involved in both the development and maintenance of the future frigate.
**Initial Contact with Other Nations**
In 2023, the Norwegian government reached out to 11 countries regarding frigate programs, with Australia, Canada, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and South Korea being among those also considered but ultimately not selected for further discussions. The frigate program aligns with the country’s long-term defense strategy proposed in April 2023.
**Author Information**
Rudy Ruitenberg serves as a European correspondent for Defense News, having previously worked at Bloomberg News, with experience in technology, commodity markets, and politics.
